RAPID CITY, S.D. – Several city government offices in Rapid City will again serve as collection points for an annual community diaper drive, with Mayor Jason Salamun declaring Sept. 15-21 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the Black Hills.
This marks the ninth consecutive year for the event, which is an annual project led by Volunteers of America Northern Rockies (VOA). Last year’s drive collected over 20,000 diapers and $3,000 in cash donations, with the monetary donations estimated to purchase an additional 15,000 diapers.
The following locations will accept packaged or boxed children’s diapers and wipes from Friday, Sept. 12 through Monday, Sept. 22:
- City Hall, 300 Sixth St.
- Fire Station 1, 10 Main St.
- Public Safety Building, 300 Kansas City St.
- Rapid City Public Library, 610 Quincy St.
Mommy’s Closet, located at 111 New York Street, serves as a continuous collection point for donations throughout the year and is one of two diaper banks in South Dakota.
Diaper need is defined as the lack of a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep infants and toddlers healthy and dry. The average child uses 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year. For many low-income families, the monthly cost of diapers can be as high as $80-$100 per child, a cost that cannot be covered by food stamps or WIC vouchers.
All sizes of children’s diapers are needed, with a specific emphasis on size five diapers. Cash or check donations are also welcome and can be dropped off or mailed to Mommy’s Closet.